INVALIDITY SUGGESTED

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 January 1931, Page 7

INVALIDITY SUGGESTED

SIR 1. ISAACS’ APPOINTMENT

HOME CABINET NOT CONSULTED,

“ERROR” NOT ADMITTED

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph

Copyright.) Received 1.15 p.m. to-day. MELBOURNE, Jan. 10,

“If the terms of appointment of Sir Isaac Isaacs as Governor-General, as issued by Australia House and published by ‘The Times,; are correct, the appointment is invalid; furthermore, any legislation assented to by him will not be valid.” Tins was the opinion given to-day by Sir Edward Mitchell, K.C., and Mr. Fullagar to the council of the Combined Empire Societies. The council was advised that the appointment would be contrary to the constitution, because the power conferred upon the King must be exercised constitutionally; that is, upon the advice of appropriate, responsible Ministers, who, counsel stated, are British Ministers. The acting-Attorney-General, Senator Daly, said lie was not prepared to admit the assumption that the King, the British Government and the Prime Minister blundered into such an error as the opinion suggested.

CONTENTION DENIED

OPINION IN HOME CIRCLES

Received 1.30 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Jan. 9. Though official comment is withheld, the Australian Press Association understands that Dominion Office circles do not accept Sir Edward Mitchell s contention that Sir Isaac Isaacs appointment is invalid. Even admitting the assumption that the British Cabinet was not consulted, it is pointed out that the 1926 Imperial Conference dissociated the Governor-General from the representation of the British Cabinet.